Annual Waste Summary Report (AWS)
Deadlines, Requirements, and Expert Assistance from TBK Environmental
DUE DATE
March 1, 2025
The Annual Waste Summary Report (AWS) is an annual requirement for businesses that generate or ship significant amounts of regulated waste.
If your company ships over 2,000 pounds of hazardous or regulated waste, you are responsible for filing your EPA Waste Report each year.
Missing the deadline or providing incorrect information can lead to costly penalties and compliance challenges.
AWS
Reporting Requirements & Deadlines
AWS Reporting Deadline
The EPA Waste Report is typically due March 1 each year. This deadline ensures that businesses provide an accurate record of all regulated waste shipped during the previous calendar year.
Who Must File
Any facility or generator that ships over 2,000 pounds of regulated or hazardous waste must submit an official Annual Waste Summary Report (AWS). Double-check your waste manifests and shipping documents to confirm if you meet or exceed this threshold.
Required Information
- Aggregate Totals
- Waste Disposal Documentation
- Disposal Facility Registration Numbers
- Signature Authority
Tip
Always keep a well-organized filing system with your manifests and disposal records, as these are essential for accurate reporting and potential audits.
REQUIRED INFORMATION DEFINED
Aggregate Totals
Summaries of all regulated waste shipped.
Waste Disposal Documentation
Proof of proper disposal and handling (manifests, bills of lading).
Disposal Facility Registration Numbers
EPA IDs for all receiving facilities.
Signature Authority
Ensure your account and digital signature are activated in STEERS (State of Texas Environmental Electronic Reporting System) or your state’s equivalent system.
Need Help? TBK Environmental Can Assist
With Your Annual Waste Summary Report (AWS)
TBK Environmental is founded and led by an environmental scientist. We work with EPA, TCEQ, and other state regulatory agencies every day. We understand the complexities of compliance and provide a seamless experience from data aggregation to submission.
Staying compliant with the Annual Waste Summary Report requirements doesn’t have to be a burden. With TBK Environmental on your side, you can be confident that your data is accurate, your deadlines are met, and your business is protected from regulatory complications.
TBK Environmental AWS Reporting Services
Cost & Time Savings
Avoid fines, audits, and last-minute scrambling. We’ll guide you every step of the way, reducing errors and the need for re-submissions.
Accurate Aggregate Totals
If you already rely on TBK Environmental for waste removal, we have detailed records of your shipments on file. We can quickly compile your aggregate totals—saving you time and hassle.
Use multiple service providers for waste removal or haven’t used TBK Environmental? That’s OK! We will work with your providers to gather the required information.
Regulatory Expertise
Our team stays updated on the latest federal and state regulations. We help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your EPA Waste Report meets every requirement.
For over 20 years, we’ve ensured our clients avoid the “gotchas” – filing accurately and on time to avoid any penalties.
Streamlined Documentation
We handle the back-and-forth with disposal facilities, ensuring all EPA registration numbers and manifests are properly documented.
End-to-End Service
From waste pickup and disposal to final report submission, TBK Environmental offers comprehensive support to lighten your administrative load.
Ready to Streamline Your Annual Waste Summary Report Process?
Let TBK Environmental take the stress out of your AWS reporting process. Our expert team is here to help you compile data, manage documentation, and help you submit everything on time.
Contact Us Today!
Don’t wait until the last minute! Start the process now to ensure your business remains compliant and penalty-free.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Annual Waste Summary Report
1. What is the Annual Waste Summary Report (AWS)?
The Annual Waste Summary Report (AWS), sometimes referred to as the Biennial Report at the federal level, or an annual report in some states, is a mandatory submission for businesses and facilities that generate or ship certain amounts of regulated or hazardous waste. This report ensures that the EPA and state agencies have accurate data on waste generation and disposal practices.
2. Who is required to submit the Annual Waste Summary?
Any company or facility that ships over 2,000 pounds of regulated or hazardous waste (thresholds can vary by state) is typically required to file. This includes manufacturing plants, medical facilities, and other businesses that generate significant waste streams.
3. When is the deadline to file the Annual Waste Summary Report?
In most cases, the report is due by March 1 each year (or every two years, depending on federal or state regulations). Always check your specific state’s requirements to confirm your exact deadline and frequency of reporting.
4. What information is required in the report?
The report typically includes:
- Aggregate Totals: Total quantities of hazardous or regulated waste shipped
- Documentation: Manifests, bills of lading, and other records
- Disposal Facility Information: EPA registration numbers for each receiving facility
- Additional Details: Waste codes, shipping dates, and any relevant waste treatment methods
5. How do I submit the Annual Waste Summary Report?
Submission methods vary by state. In Texas, for example, you use STEERS (State of Texas Environmental Electronic Reporting System). Other states may have their own electronic portals. Check with your local environmental agency or the EPA website for the correct submission process.
6. What happens if I don’t file on time or make a mistake in the report?
Late or inaccurate reports can lead to penalties, fines, and potential legal action. In extreme cases, ongoing non-compliance can result in permit revocations or shutdown orders. It’s crucial to submit on time and ensure all information is accurate.
7. How can TBK Environmental help with the reporting process?
TBK Environmental offers:
- Data Compilation: We provide aggregate totals if we’ve handled your waste or can review your manifests if you work with other vendors.
- Documentation & Compliance Support: We ensure all manifests and disposal facility records are accurate and up to date.
- STEERS Assistance: We help navigate account setup, signature authority, and data entry.
- Expert Guidance: Our team is led by an environmental scientist who ensures compliance with federal and state regulations.
8. How do I know if I’ve exceeded the 2,000-pound threshold?
Review your shipping manifests, bills of lading, or any other transportation documents that track the weight or volume of your waste shipments. If your records indicate more than 2,000 pounds of regulated or hazardous waste in total, you likely need to file.
9. Can I file my Annual Waste Summary Report myself?
Review your shipping manifests, bills of lading, or any other transportation documents that track the weight or volume of your waste shipments. If your records indicate more than 2,000 pounds of regulated or hazardous waste in total, you likely need to file.
10. What documentation should I keep after filing?
Keep copies of:
- Filed Reports: Digital or hard copies for your records
- Manifests: Signed and dated copies of all waste shipments
- Disposal Receipts: Proof of final disposal or treatment
- Correspondence: Any communication with waste vendors or regulatory agencies
Maintaining organized records can simplify future audits, renewals, or inspections.
11. What if I generate less than 2,000 pounds of waste?
Facilities that generate less than 2,000 pounds of hazardous waste may still have some reporting requirements, depending on state and local regulations. Check with your local environmental authority to see what reports, if any, you need to submit.
12. Where can I find more information?
- EPA Hazardous Waste Homepage: epa.gov/hw
- STEERS (Texas Facilities): tceq.texas.gov/permitting/steers
- TBK Environmental: Contact us for direct assistance with your reporting needs.
Still Have Questions about the Annual Waste Summary?
If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, please reach out to us
and our team of experts will be happy to assist!
GLOSSARY: Annual Waste Summary
2,000-Pound Threshold
A commonly referenced volume limit for certain states or specific EPA requirements. If you exceed this threshold in shipped hazardous waste, you may be required to submit the Annual Waste Summary.
Aggregate Totals
The combined volume or weight of all waste streams generated or shipped by a facility during a specific reporting period.
Biennial Report
The federal version of the Annual Waste Summary (AWS) required every two years (for Large Quantity Generators) under RCRA. Some states have annual reporting requirements instead.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
The federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress.
EPA ID Number
A unique identifier assigned by the EPA to facilities that generate, transport, treat, store, or dispose of hazardous wastes.
Hazardous Waste
Waste materials or substances that can pose a substantial or potential hazard to human health or the environment if improperly managed. Defined under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Manifest
A tracking document used to accompany shipments of hazardous (and sometimes non-hazardous) waste from the point of generation to the final treatment, storage, or disposal facility.
Non-Hazardous Waste
Waste materials not meeting the criteria for hazardous waste but may still require special handling or disposal methods depending on state or local regulation
Reporting Period
The specific timeframe covered in the Annual Waste Summary, typically the previous calendar year for an annual report (or every two years for a Biennial Report).
RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)
The federal law that provides the framework for the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, including generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and dispos
Signature Authority
Official authorization (usually digital) required to sign and submit electronic reports in systems like STEERS. Often takes 24–48 hours (or more) for new accounts to be approved.
STEERS (State of Texas Environmental Electronic Reporting System)
An online portal used by Texas facilities to submit environmental reports electronically, including some EPA Waste Reports. Other states have similar electronic reporting systems.
Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF)
A specialized facility permitted to treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste. Each TSDF is assigned an EPA ID Number.
Universal Waste
Certain widely generated hazardous wastes (such as batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment, and lamps) subject to streamlined regulations to facilitate proper management and recycling.
Waste Management Vendor
A third-party company (e.g., TBK Environmental) that handles waste collection, transportation, and disposal or recycling activities on behalf of the generator.